Monster Mash Up Lesson Plan

Author: Trish Saccomano Year: 2019Artform: Visual Art Grade: K-1 Duration: One 30 min. sessionOverview: Drawing “Monsters” is a great way to get students into the habit of looking for and identifying different shapes. This quick 30 minute lesson for the “littles” integrates shape recognition, active listening and small motor skill practice.

Standard K.G.2
Correctly name shapes regardless of their orientations or overall sizes.

Standard K.G.6
Compose simple shapes to form larger shapes. For example, “Can you join these two triangles with full sides touching to make a rectangle?”

Guided drawing with specific shapes challenges students to come up with lots of variations on a simple idea. It starts with a basic shape and then directs students to come up with variations on a simple idea.

TEACHING AND TIMELINE

INTRODUCTION

Have students identify different shapes they see around the classroom. Ask students if they can shapes “within” other shapes. For example: A diamond is really 2 triangles.

DEMONSTRATION

Give each student a handful of colored squares and a pair of scissors. Take one of the squares and cut it in half. You now have 2 rectangles. Cut on the diagonal to make 2 triangles, etc. Students cut their own squares and identify the “new” shapes they’ve made. Read the book, Snippets - A Story About Paper Shapes by Diane Alber to the class to see more “shapes in action.”

WORK PERIOD

Monsters can come in all shapes and sizes. They can be circles, triangles, squares, hearts, ovals and more. Teacher directs students to follow her simple instructions - first select a shape, such as a circle, to draw on the white board or under the document camera. Add limbs, lines, shapes and shoes. Draw along as different shape monsters are created.

CLOSURE/SUMMARY

Students have a Show and Share Gallery Walk and look at how others interpreted the monster making directions.

Students can create monsters on their own using the techniques learned during the class demonstration. They can create cards or draw families of monsters. Students can cut out their monsters and glue them onto popsicle sticks. Use the sticks to put on a monster show.

Mathematical names of the different doodling shapes. For example:

Rhombus (diamond)

Parallelogram (parallel sides)

Doodling is a great way to get into a creative habit. Challenge students to come up with lots of variations on a simple idea. Start with a basic shape and add from there. It’s fun and easy!

Monsters can also be created using thumbprint art.

Assessment can happen instantly as you direct the student’s drawings. Walk around and see who is successfully following the guide drawing directions. Students can label the different shapes on their finished “monsters.”

RESOURCE BOOKS:

Trish is the lead Professional Development Partner for the Beverley Taylor Sorenson Arts Learning Program - University of Utah region. She works with the visual artists and elementary school students. She is also on the faculty of the Consumer and Family Studies Department at the University of Utah.